Airway Exchange – Ep. 22 – Improving Anesthesia Education Through Item Analysis

Airway Exchange – Ep. 22 – Improving Anesthesia Education Through Item Analysis

July 14, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 537

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of item analysis in improving anesthesia education and assessments.

Item analysis can sound intimidating, especially for educators who were trained as clinicians first and teachers second. But when used well, it can become one of the most valuable tools for improving assessments, clarifying instruction, and supporting student success. In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Erin and Louisa welcome in Valerie Diaz, DNP, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, CAPT (Ret), USN and Pedro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA, APRN to break down the importance of item analysis, a topic they presented at AANA’s EDGE event earlier this year. Just as CRNAs constantly refine their clinical practice, educators should continually evaluate, reflect, and improve the tools they use to assess learning. Better assessments lead to better education. Better education ultimately leads to better patient care. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📊 Item Analysis: Using data to improve assessments 🎯 Better Questions: Writing exams that truly measure learning 👩‍🏫 Teaching Growth: Letting assessment data shape instruction 📚 Student Success: Building trust through fair evaluations 🔍 Continuous Improvement: Becoming a stronger educator every semester Follow…

People in this episode

Hosts: Erin, Louisa

Guests: Valerie Diaz, Pedro Hernandez

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AANA, USN

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